“I'm all about quiet. Stillness. Serenity. I feel healthier, more authentically present to others, and more available to the Lord when both my soul and my environment are uncluttered and at peace.” Amen to this, Linda! This post is a gentle reminder to do a little dusting in my heart. Thank you for that, friend.
"ever-present Holy Spirit shines a light into those hidden spaces and gently helps us clear away the old, the tired, the messy so we can breathe deep and free again." It is going to be a year of clearing out, uncluttering which, for a bookish person, is often hard because so many things have a story. I need to let a lot of story-holders go. . . and to keep those deeper things that need cleaning cleaned out! Thank you for the pep-talk!
'It is going to be a year of clearing out, uncluttering which, for a bookish person, is often hard because so many things have a story. I need to let a lot of story-holders go. . . and to keep those deeper things that need cleaning cleaned out!'
You've grabbed my attention and imagination, Maryleigh. A blog post maybe?
Linda, it is so amazing to me how every yea we go through this transition. I love that the Lord knows exactly what we need to do to move forward not only into a new year but to move forward in Him. "God is always inviting us to something deeper, holier, stronger, and wiser." Amen! And I am so grateful for His invitation!
Wise post, my friend. I hope your new year has started off quiet. Calm. A bit holier. I'm asking the Lord to search me and try me - anew - even this evening. Thank you for the redirection. Blessings to you and your husband as you start this fresh year ahead of us.
There's nothing like January's solitary days to invite us to some sort of redirection. As the wind howls outside, we can be quiet and calm before Him inside. He is our peace.
Such beautiful thoughts, sweet friend. I love to walk into this new year with nothing dragging along behind me. It is freeing to leave the past right where it happened, and that is truly the only way to move forward. So grateful to our dear, loving Lord that He spared my life to transition into another new year. May He richly bless you all through it.
You've painted an apt word picture, Cheryl, 'nothing dragging along behind me.' Wow. Just imagining that burden is enough for any of us to finally lay it down.
Just getting around to reading this now, but I can see why I feel a kindred spirit even though we are in very different life stages! I appreciate your steady invitational heart. ✨🤍
"The precious, ever-present Holy Spirit shines a light into those hidden spaces and gently helps us clear away the old, the tired, the messy so we can breathe deep and free again." He creates within us the breathing spaces we so desire...and are our very best. You know I am all about Breathing Spaces. Wonderful read to begin a fresh New Year!
Hi Linda! I have a quiet confidence in the God who is absolute complete control of everything. I'm excited to see what He is going to do in 2025 in my life and in the life of the church family.
Linda, this is such a great reminder to slow down and reflect before jumping into the new year. I love the idea of clearing out old baggage and making space for peace and purpose. Your words really encourage me to take a breath, reset, and move forward with a clearer heart. Thank you for sharing this! 🙏
You can’t imagine how perfect and timely your post is
I’ve been talking with God about needing his help in keeping the past in the past. I know he’s forgiven me but I’ve been struggling with 3am thoughts of past sins - some over 30 years ago. Your post about the Holy Spirit clearing out the old really hit home with me. That’s what I need
The Psalm verse about “anxious thoughts”has been in my head, but I couldn’t find it. Turns out my translation doesn’t include “anxious”
Gail, thanks for your transparency. It's so like the enemy of our souls to dig around and resurrect old sins and shame and stuff. No wonder our thoughts so often turn to anxiety. May today be a true turning point as you accept the truth that you are God's beloved daughter and that you are cleansed and free.
The next time those old images come up, He is able to help you cut them off at the pass instead of running like a full length motion picture in your head. I encourage you to replace them with all the wonderful gems we find in Philippians 4:8 - 'whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.'
Please feel free to come back and tell me how you're doing. I'm praying for you this morning. Bless you, girl.
Thank you Linda for your encouraging words. I pray Psalm 139:23-24 every morning during my quiet time. I look forward to receiving your posts! Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year, my friend!
Thanks for that needed nudge to be praying Scripture, Pam. No need to figure out what to say when it's in black and white ... or already tucked deep in our hearts.
Praise God, he is always inviting us to something deeper, holier, stronger, and wiser! Our experience with him never need grow stagnant and stale! I wonder what new soul-adventures he has in store for us in 2025?! (Sorry for all the exclamation points, but you've got me excited, Linda! 😁)
And this is so true --> 'Our experience with him never need grow stagnant and stale!' Lord help us to do what we need to do to keep the light of Your love burning bright in our hearts.
Thank you for this “needed” reminder of the power of a clean slate and heart before God and man. 🙏💕
What better way to begin yet another year, Jane. Clean slate, pure heart. Amen!
And I'm glad you're here, too.
“I'm all about quiet. Stillness. Serenity. I feel healthier, more authentically present to others, and more available to the Lord when both my soul and my environment are uncluttered and at peace.” Amen to this, Linda! This post is a gentle reminder to do a little dusting in my heart. Thank you for that, friend.
'do a little dusting in my heart.'
Oh, that's a beautiful picture you've painted, Laura. I'm taking that with me and holding it close tonight. Thank you.
"ever-present Holy Spirit shines a light into those hidden spaces and gently helps us clear away the old, the tired, the messy so we can breathe deep and free again." It is going to be a year of clearing out, uncluttering which, for a bookish person, is often hard because so many things have a story. I need to let a lot of story-holders go. . . and to keep those deeper things that need cleaning cleaned out! Thank you for the pep-talk!
'It is going to be a year of clearing out, uncluttering which, for a bookish person, is often hard because so many things have a story. I need to let a lot of story-holders go. . . and to keep those deeper things that need cleaning cleaned out!'
You've grabbed my attention and imagination, Maryleigh. A blog post maybe?
Amen Linda. So beautifully spoken ❤️
Thanks so much for sharing this wisdom and truth with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.
xo
Happy new year, friend ...
Linda, it is so amazing to me how every yea we go through this transition. I love that the Lord knows exactly what we need to do to move forward not only into a new year but to move forward in Him. "God is always inviting us to something deeper, holier, stronger, and wiser." Amen! And I am so grateful for His invitation!
Joanne, thanks for the reminder that for those who love Jesus, it's all about moving forward in Him, through Him, for Him. Amen to your wisdom, girl.
Wise post, my friend. I hope your new year has started off quiet. Calm. A bit holier. I'm asking the Lord to search me and try me - anew - even this evening. Thank you for the redirection. Blessings to you and your husband as you start this fresh year ahead of us.
There's nothing like January's solitary days to invite us to some sort of redirection. As the wind howls outside, we can be quiet and calm before Him inside. He is our peace.
Jennifer, thanks for being here.
Such beautiful thoughts, sweet friend. I love to walk into this new year with nothing dragging along behind me. It is freeing to leave the past right where it happened, and that is truly the only way to move forward. So grateful to our dear, loving Lord that He spared my life to transition into another new year. May He richly bless you all through it.
You've painted an apt word picture, Cheryl, 'nothing dragging along behind me.' Wow. Just imagining that burden is enough for any of us to finally lay it down.
Just getting around to reading this now, but I can see why I feel a kindred spirit even though we are in very different life stages! I appreciate your steady invitational heart. ✨🤍
Kindred spirits, for sure. I'm enjoying getting to know you through your writing, Cathy. Iron sharpens iron. God is good.
"The precious, ever-present Holy Spirit shines a light into those hidden spaces and gently helps us clear away the old, the tired, the messy so we can breathe deep and free again." He creates within us the breathing spaces we so desire...and are our very best. You know I am all about Breathing Spaces. Wonderful read to begin a fresh New Year!
Breathing spaces. Just reading those words brings a deeper sense of peace amd contentment. Thank you, Lynn.
Hi Linda! I have a quiet confidence in the God who is absolute complete control of everything. I'm excited to see what He is going to do in 2025 in my life and in the life of the church family.
Amen, Bill. Being secure in that place of quiet confidence in the One who holds the world in His hands is the most awesome place to be.
Such a good post for the New Year! Thank you.
Thanks for stopping by on this frigid Saturday morning, Amy ...
Linda, this is such a great reminder to slow down and reflect before jumping into the new year. I love the idea of clearing out old baggage and making space for peace and purpose. Your words really encourage me to take a breath, reset, and move forward with a clearer heart. Thank you for sharing this! 🙏
Reset. Isn't that the loveliest invitation before we move further. I actually just took a deep breath of peace as I repeated your word, Veronica.
Thank you for helping us all take a deep breath of hope instead of a sigh of boredom or doom.
You can’t imagine how perfect and timely your post is
I’ve been talking with God about needing his help in keeping the past in the past. I know he’s forgiven me but I’ve been struggling with 3am thoughts of past sins - some over 30 years ago. Your post about the Holy Spirit clearing out the old really hit home with me. That’s what I need
The Psalm verse about “anxious thoughts”has been in my head, but I couldn’t find it. Turns out my translation doesn’t include “anxious”
Gail, thanks for your transparency. It's so like the enemy of our souls to dig around and resurrect old sins and shame and stuff. No wonder our thoughts so often turn to anxiety. May today be a true turning point as you accept the truth that you are God's beloved daughter and that you are cleansed and free.
The next time those old images come up, He is able to help you cut them off at the pass instead of running like a full length motion picture in your head. I encourage you to replace them with all the wonderful gems we find in Philippians 4:8 - 'whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.'
Please feel free to come back and tell me how you're doing. I'm praying for you this morning. Bless you, girl.
warfare at its finest and most sinister. there too, prayers appreciated.
Yes, there is power when God's people gather together and pray faithfully and with great hope.
Amen, my friend! I am on the same page. Thanks for this wisdom.💕
Hey friend, I hope you're doing well. God is keeping you on my heart!
Thank you Linda for your encouraging words. I pray Psalm 139:23-24 every morning during my quiet time. I look forward to receiving your posts! Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year, my friend!
Thanks for that needed nudge to be praying Scripture, Pam. No need to figure out what to say when it's in black and white ... or already tucked deep in our hearts.
Praise God, he is always inviting us to something deeper, holier, stronger, and wiser! Our experience with him never need grow stagnant and stale! I wonder what new soul-adventures he has in store for us in 2025?! (Sorry for all the exclamation points, but you've got me excited, Linda! 😁)
I love your exclamation points, Nancy!!!!
And this is so true --> 'Our experience with him never need grow stagnant and stale!' Lord help us to do what we need to do to keep the light of Your love burning bright in our hearts.
Amen, my friend! (Oh dear. There I go again.)
!!!!!!!!!!!